Daily Bread 7-17-17

1 Thessalonians 1:4

Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

ref. - Col 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;

Did you know, Brothers and Sisters, that you are the elect of God? It may not have been so at times past, but if you are saved and forgiven, you are the elect of God. With this election comes a great benefit. You are in a position in which God can work through you to perform many miracles! You have been called to a great service, a holy calling. The only problem, well, maybe not the only one, is that we lack confidence and are not sure of our calling. Things may not happen on our timing or the way that we want them to so we begin to doubt what God has called us to. There are many ministers who have no confidence in what God can do and their faith is in need of great help. Some have lost it over years. Others, the new ones, have thought that they are done growing and that they possess all that God has to offer from the moment that they are called. This goes for all who serve him as well. Some don't see the results immediately so they begin to doubt what God has given them, others feel that they are saved and that is enough. In either circumstance this is incorrect. The humility that was shown at the day of salvation should continue on with us. The mercy that we were shown is to be communicated through us as well. Kindness, meekness, longsuffering(patience), all fruits of the Spirit that will help us to grow in confidence and assurance that God has called us to something extraordinary. We need not go about looking for something else or someone else, the calling is within us and it comes from someone who we will not find by moving around and searching. It will all be found in Jesus Christ. The same yesterday, today, and forever! In this scripture the Apostle Paul was trying to help build up the people in that he had confidence that they were the ones that God had drawn to Christ. They were his elect. They were useful and they were diligent. If we read on these people were not only diligent but they were also willing to follow and accept authority. You see, when the organization and operation of the Church is not a constant struggle or war from within, it becomes more evident that the men and women that are in it are called. But some stay, some go. This proving that not all are as they appear and by their fruit they are known. If they go it means nothing more or less than that they were not of us. But today, take confidence Brothers and Sisters, that if you are in agreement with the Church and it's leadership, obedient to it's statutes and the gospel that has been given you, you are definitely God's elect. You have been chosen to travel on with us and endure to the end in the Church Of God Of The Firstborn. If not, you may pray, and if you possess this longsuffering patience that is a fruit of the Spirit, then God will reveal to you where you belong and what you are called to. But always remember, serving God is not a constant struggle if you are not fighting back. Submit to him and surrender all to Jesus Christ your savior. He will do a miracle in you!! Have great day!!!